Your monthly update from McCartney

What happens once your offer has been accepted?

Maybe you have discovered the home of your dreams and your offer has been accepted? Or, maybe you are intrigued to know what will happen when you reach this stage?

To get things moving, here are four things you should do after your offer has been accepted:

Confirmation of acceptance

Once your offer is accepted, your estate agent will almost certainly contact you to congratulate you, and they will likely want to confirm a few details with you, to finalise the offer.

Generally, you will be expected to send confirmation for the following:

• You have enough funds to make the purchase

• A copy of your mortgage agreement in principle

• You have a solicitor or are actively attempting to obtain one

Get in touch with your solicitor

Instructing your solicitor as soon as possible is likely to assist in speeding up your purchase. If you have not already found a solicitor, request a recommendation from your estate agent.

At this point, your solicitor will begin conducting property checks and searches. Depending on the solicitor, they may require payment in advance for some services.

Completion of your mortgage application

You will need to submit a full application for your mortgage once your offer has been accepted, to apply for the specific amount of money you need to purchase the house.

If you are working with a mortgage professional, they will walk you through this procedure and inform you of the information you will need to provide.

Arrange a property survey

While surveys are not mandatory when purchasing a new house, they are a wise investment. Surveys can assist you in determining any present or prospective difficulties with the property. To arrange a survey, ask your estate agent to schedule a time with the sellers.

If you're still on the lookout for a new property, we may have what you need!

Check out our listings here or contact us with your needs for a home so we can help you find the right one.

Three simple ways to speed up your sale

When it comes to selling a property, the small details can make all the difference. While it's easy to spend a lot of money staging your property for showings, you don't have to do so to make it look new.

You can make your home look more appealing to buyers and be on the right track to a faster sale by showcasing the features your property already has, and doing a few simple things to brighten up the overall appearance.

Make the most of natural light

One of the nicest features a home can have is natural light.

Make sure your window ledges are clear and your curtains are fully open when viewings are scheduled. If you have the time, clean your windows as well.

These changes may seem small, but they can make a big difference.

Vacuum rugs and upholstery

Give your rugs, upholstery, and sofa cushions a good cleaning if you want your home to look brighter.

These items can become dirty over time, even if you do not notice it. You can make your room look brand new with a fast clean of the necessities. Plus, when buyers walk in, your place will smell amazing!

Repaint walls

One of the first things potential buyers will notice is the walls. The rooms in your home can easily appear larger and cleaner by using a bright, neutral colour.

If you are limited on time, use a magic eraser to wipe the walls clean. Dirt and imperfections can be completely removed with a few quick scrubs!

Thinking of selling your home? Contact our team today or get your valuation here.

A handy guide to easing stress when buying a home

Securing your ideal home is a very exciting event, and potentially one of the biggest financial investments you will ever make.

As competition in the property market remains high, you may feel slightly more stressed than usual when it comes to buying your next home. However, do not be alarmed! We have four tips to help you ease the stress of your next home move.

No matter what the question is, ask it

As we have said, buying a home is a huge commitment, so you want to be sure you are happy with all the details, no matter how small they seem. If you happen to find something confusing or alarming, speak to your estate agent about the matter. They will be able to advise you or offer direction on who to contact about your query.

Discuss additional costs that could be incurred

A mortgage deposit might not be the only upfront cost you need to save for. Throughout the buying process, you may encounter fees for surveys, stamp duty (depending on your buying position), and solicitors. So, it is a wise idea to set aside a “buffer fund” to cover these costs as they arise throughout the process. By preparing your finances, you can be comfortable knowing you are ready for anything.

Take a break

House hunting can be a time-consuming and possibly emotionally draining experience. If the process begins to feel overwhelming, we advise you to take your foot off the gas and have a break for a few days. When you come back to your search, you will be refreshed and recharged, with a fresh set of eyes!

Trust your agent

Make the most of your estate agent’s services by letting them know about your requirements. This means that even when you are not actively hunting, you are not missing out on any ideal homes that may come on the market.

Are you in the process of searching for your next home? Our expert team of professional agents are here to help you every step of the way. Get in touch today.

The UK saw a 1.6% increase in property prices during April

Data released by a well-known property portal shows that the average property price rose by £5,537 in April alone. Compared to figures recorded three months ago, the typical UK property is now worth a whopping £19,082 more, pushing the average house price up to £360,101.*

The current scarcity of properties continues to be the main driving force behind the steep increase in property prices.

What does this mean for you as a seller?

Despite more properties coming to the market, the demand for homes still outweighs supply. At present, sellers are successfully finding buyers twice as quickly as at the same time in 2019, and once a buyer has been found, homeowners are achieving top prices for their property.

In fact, statistics show that you could achieve up to 1.6% more for your home than one month ago.

If you do not yet have an up-to-date valuation, now is the time to get yours! Request your professional property valuation here.

*Rightmove

What will the UK’s private rental sector look like ten years from now?

A recent report examined how the private rental sector might develop in the years to come.*

The findings, based on a survey of 1,376 adults in rented accommodation, offer some interesting food for thought, for landlords who might be thinking about future-proofing their investments.

One of the key insights from the report is that the private rented sector needs to adapt to an increasingly mature tenant population, with the age of tenants set to increase over the coming years. The report predicts: “The typical renter of the future will look different from today’s. We need to revisit our preconceptions about renting being the preserve of young, mobile households. Mature tenants have different needs and preferences.”*

Over a third of households in the private rented sector currently accommodate somebody aged 45 or over. The report shows that three in five tenants aged between 35 and 54, expect to be renting privately in 15 years’ time. By 2035, it is predicted that this demographic will make up at least half of rented households.

For landlords, this means considering the priorities of more mature tenants. Longer tenancy agreements and unfurnished homes are typically preferred by mature renters, who will often opt for a ground-floor property near to local transport links and basic amenities, such as shops and health services. Established tenants are also more likely to look for pet-friendly accommodation and the freedom to make basic cosmetic changes, such as redecorating.

If you are thinking of letting your property, contact us for a no-obligation valuation.

*Social Market Foundation

Tips to get your home ready for summer

As the warmer weather approaches, the days get longer and the skies are brighter, it’s the perfect time to get your home ready for the summer. Take a look below at three easy ways you can enhance the appearance of your property.

Spruce up the garden

It can be difficult to maintain your garden during the winter months, but there are no excuses once spring and summer arrive.

Simply mowing the lawn and tidying up the trees will make your garden feel much more spacious and ready for that first BBQ.

For those warm summer evenings, consider getting some solar lights or fairy lights to give your garden a cosy feel. You can also purchase some blankets and pillows to make your garden furniture look exceptionally cosy!

Give your home a fresh coat of paint

A fresh coat of paint could be just what is needed if the walls in your home are looking a bit tired. Adding a pop of colour is the perfect way to create a summery feel. Otherwise, neutral colours such as magnolia and light grey will make your rooms look bigger and brighter.

Adding to the exterior

Adding decking or an outdoor sitting area can give your property an inviting feel for garden gatherings. Creating zones in your garden can also give the illusion of extra room and create pleasant dividers between spaces.

If you are looking for more advice on how to get your home in shape for summer, contact our team today.

The National Flower ShowFriday 20th – Sunday 22nd May

The National Flower Show returns in May 2022 for a three-day gardening extravaganza set in the stunning grounds of Hylands House.

The outdoor event has the Outdoor Plant Village, a magnificent Floral Pavilion, the Food & Drinks Pavilion, and a Home and Country Pavilion with a selection of original handmade giftware, jewellery, and more – visitors can shop in abundance with hundreds of exhibitors at the show!

Click here to buy your tickets!

Click here to read The National Flower ShowFriday 20th – Sunday 22nd May.

Lister Tye, Chelmsford

This detached four-bedroom family residence is located in a prime location and has great access to local amenities. The current owners have spared no expense and the overall result is stunning.

Click here to read Lister Tye, Chelmsford.

Van Diemans Lane

McCartney Sales are delighted to offer this stunning 2 bedroom period property. Finished to a high standard throughout this family home offers an open plan lounge/diner and kitchen to the rear.

Click here to read Van Diemans Lane.